Mayor Young to run for 4th term

Mayor James A. Young has announced his intention to seek a fourth term as mayor of Philadelphia.

“This past year has been an unusual time and with God’s help, we have made it this far,” Young said. “My desire is to seek one more term. There are some things we want to see completed and I want to be a part of that success.”

If re-elected, Young promises to:

• Improve the city’s infrastructure;

• Upgrade the city’s streets;

• Keep the city safe and reduce crime in the city;

• Improve law enforcement;

• Support the schools and activities for young people;

• Support downtown businesses and tourism;

• Complete the renovation of the Booker T. Washington gym and support the parks and recreation programs;

• Continue to work on the Fallen Veterans Memorial; and,

• Support economic development and work to bring in jobs to the community.

Young was born and raised in Neshoba County. He is a 1973 graduate of Neshoba Central. He attended Meridian Community College where he studied to become an Emergency Medical Technician.

He finished his training at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson as a paramedic. He worked 16 years at Neshoba General as an EMT/Paramedic, and four years for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians as a corrections officer.

Prior to becoming mayor, Young served three terms on the Board of Supervisors representing District 5.

He has been a pastor for 29 years at the Calvary Apostolic Church in Louisville. He is married and has one daughter.

“My goal coming in was to make Philadelphia better,” Young said. “In an honest way, we have tried to do that. Others may be smarter but I don’t think they have the passion for our community that I do.

“As a whole, our community has come together and we are still fighting this pandemic. But I know in 2021, we still have some challenges. The main thing is to continue to serve the people of Philadelphia. It’s been a journey but it’s not over yet.”

Primary elections are scheduled April 6, 2021 and the general election is set for June 8. Qualifying for municipal offices opens in January.